Damen to Convert the Massive 'Rowan Viking' Offshore Rig

By George BackwellJune 20, 2014

Offshore rig leg: Image courtesy of Damen

Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen (DSV), part of Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, says it has been awarded a contract by a subsidiary of Rowan Companies plc to remodel the 'Rowan Viking', a Keppel Fels ‘N’ Class Drilling Rig. The rig, which at 124 (l) x 95 (w) x 170 (h) metres is one of the largest of its type.

Damen explains that because the leg extension work will be done at great heights, DSV has contracted Palfinger Systems to use the latter’s unique JUMP Systems. JUMP stands for Jack Up Maintenance Platform. These are platforms that can be built around, and moved up and down, the legs.

Mammoet’s largest PTC cranes will be used to hoist the 120-tonne leg extensions. The crane will be more than 200 metres high (nearly four times the height of the covered dock at the shipyard in Vlissingen).

To make room for the crane, DSV has moved its warehouse, demolishing the warehouse itself and building a special foundation that can handle the high ground pressure of 30 tonnes per m² that the crane will create.

The contract is being supervised by Damen Shiprepair & Conversion’s ‘Offshore & Conversion’ task force team. Commercial Manager Bas Loohuis says: “This is a unique project. A leg extension of this magnitude has never been done using this method at DSV. Using the Palfinger systems and the Mammoet crane will enable us to carry out other work while the legs are being extended, which will translate into a significant improvement in turnaround time. "

"This project represents a major step in DSV’s progress. Leaving aside the unique crane foundation, which the company will be able to use for many other projects in future, the shipyard will have to take a big step in its project organisation."

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